100 babies born every day in areas worst hit by Ecuador quake: UNICEF

[Judi Lynn]

100 babies born every day in areas worst hit by Ecuador quake: UNICEF

Source: Xinhua 2016-05-17 05:12:10

UNITED NATIONS, May 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Monday reported that on average, up to 100 babies are born every day in Esmeraldas and Manabí, the provinces worst hit by the Ecuador earthquake.

"In a region where one in five children suffers from diarrhoea and chronic malnutrition, it is essential to provide these babies with the basic needs to survive and thrive," Grant Leaity, the UNICEF representative in Ecuador, said in a press release.

A 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which hit the country on April 16, killed 660 people, destroyed water systems and affected 33 health centers, half of which are not operational. The tremor also damaged or destroyed some 560 schools and close to 10,000 buildings.

According to UNICEF, an immediate response led by the government is allowing 75 percent of children to return to school and providing an integrated response to over 30,000 people living in official shelters, including basic assistance, medical and psychological support.

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http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-05/17/c_135363894.htm